World News: Ebola-the Cost of a Crisis

The recent Ebola outbreak in West Africa is unquestionably one of the worst crises in recent history. As the death toll continues to climb another number is rising as well: the cost. As reported by Dr. David Nabarro, the United Nations system coordinator for the epidemic, the cost of Ebola is $600 million, that’s more than the entire GDP of Chile and Israel combined. The number has risen by $529 million since July 31. “We are not in a position where we can afford to lose a day, because this outbreak is currently moving ahead of efforts to control it,” Nabarro said. Clearly the raging epidemic can only be subdued by money but with a lack of manpower, supplies, not to mention flight access, it will take a lot more than $600 million for the unstoppable disease to be conquered.